Abstract: A hybrid flexible wire shaft having an inner portion with the characteristics of a push/pull shaft having at least one layer of wire groups helically wound on a core wire at a relatively high pitch angle, and an outer portion with the characteristics of a torsional transmission flexible shaft having two or more layers of wire groups wound on the central portion at a relatively low pitch angle. Each layer of the outer group is wound in a direction opposite to the wind direction of each adjacent layer of that group. In an alternate construction, the high and low pitch portions are reversed and an additional outer layer is provided which is wound in a direction opposite to the outermost layer of the high pitch portion.

Abstract: An improvement is provided in a absorbent product for absorbing and retaining body fluids of the kind having a body facing side and a garment facing side and comprising an elongated, planar absorbent pad. The pad is enveloped in a generally rectangular menstrual fluid pervious wrapper with the longitudinal edges of the wrapper overlapping on the garment facing side of the product. A generally rectangular menstrual fluid impervious barrier sheet is sandwiched between the wrapper and the pad. The barrier sheet overlies the garment facing side of the pad and at least the longitudinal side edges of the pad. At least two menstrual fluid barrier seal lines are provided extending longitudinally with the product and sealing the longitudinal edge portions of the barrier sheet to the cover. The seals will prevent menstrual fluid from transferring, either by wicking or by seeping, across the seal line, thereby insuring that the garment facing side of the napkin is free of menstrual fluid.